Parkinson’s Resources: Benevilla Hosting New Parkinson’s Wellness Workshop Series

April 20, 2018

Benevilla is excited to announce the launch of their new Parkinson’s Wellness Workshop Series.  These FREE workshops for the community provide parkinson’s resources and solutions to help caregivers of loved ones with Parkinson’s disease become aware of the unique concerns related to the care of their loved ones and aid them in living better lives.  Each workshop is led by a carefully selected expert in the field who will provide guidance, Parkinson’s resources, and answers to your questions. Each presentation will be followed by an interactive activity.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that produces movement disorders and deficits in executive functions, working memory, visuospatial functions, and internal control of attention. It is named after James Parkinson (1755-1824), the English neurologist who described the first case.

The 1st workshop topic “Fall Prevention” will be presented Friday, April 27th  by Dawn Mortellaro, Physical Therapist with over 40 years’ experience in Physical Therapy.  The 2nd workshop, presented by Dr. David Shprecher, DO, MSCI, the Movement Disorders Program Director with Banner Sun Health Research Institute, will be Friday, May 25th.  The topic is “Parkinson’s Disease Care: State of the Art.” The 3rd workshop is Friday, June 15th.  The topic “Emotional Impact of Parkinson’s Disease” will be presented by Lori Nisson, MSW, LCSW with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and the Banner Sun Health Research Institute Family & Community Services.

This event series will be held at St. Clement of Rome Church where the Benevilla Restorative Life Enrichment Program is located.  The address is 15800 N Del Webb Blvd., Sun City, AZ, 85351.  All 3 workshops will run from 9:00AM until 10:30AM.  Tours of the Benevilla Restorative Program will be available. The Benevilla Restorative Program is designed for those who have Parkinson’s, early to moderate Alzheimer’s or other dementia, are a survivor of a stroke, or have had a fall-related injury.  This Parkinson’s resources program offers specially designed exercise equipment, life enriching programs and staff trained in Restorative Therapy.

Reservations are required and space is limited.  Call (623) 584-4999 to sign up for all 3 workshops.  Free respite will also be available.  Initial paperwork will need to be completed.  Please mention your request at the time of your reservation.

Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit family services agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, intellectually disabled adults, children, and families.  For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, to take a tour or make a donation to Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org.